Saturday, September 27, 2008

Camera Critter Meme #25

For Camera Critters this week, I'm gonna take everyone back to April 2007, and the Lost Maples State Natural Area northwest of San Antonio, Texas.

The park was the second place I visited on that road-trip photo safari. We were there looking for a certain bird which I can't remember the species right now, but it turned into a wonderful place for a nature photographer.

At one point, the path we were following crossed a boulder field and I could have spent the entire day there. Dragonflies and damselflies were everywhere and not just one or two species. At one spot I could see five different species sitting on boulders, enjoying the sunlight. However, in my excitement, I got a little too eager and scared them off before I could get in position for a photo.

But that wasn't my only chance to shoot. I spied a beautiful damselfly flying around and followed it with my eyes until it landed. I then carefully moved into position and made the shot. During the shoot, another damselfly landed near the first one I was shooting and I was treated to a two in one shot.


The larger damselfly is commonly known as an American Rubyspot. Scientifically, it's known as Hetaerina americana. It is easy to identify whatwith the striking colors of the body and wings. Also seen in the photo is a Variable Dancer, or Argia fumipennis, a much smaller damselfly.

My trip to Texas was the highlight of my nature photography career (so far) and I enjoyed everywhere I went on that trip.

Nothing can beat south Texas in the springtime and I hope to someday again, be able to shoot to my heart's content in some fantastic country.

If you enjoy photos of critters, please stop by Misty Dawn's Camera Critter Meme check out the posts. Better yet...join in the fun.

29 comments:

i beati said...

special comparison

Misty DawnS said...

Absolutely gorgeous! You already know I completely understand how it feels when you get photo opportunities like that.

Teena in Toronto said...

Great shot! So close!

I played too :)

Lapa37 said...

They are so interesting I myself can not tell the difference between a dragon and a damsel.

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I love the ruby on its back/wings. Very nice. Thank you for the visual treat.

Carletta said...

Rubyspot is perfect - such a deep ruby red. The boulder made a great background to show them off.
Great capture!

ratmammy said...

great photo!!

Anonymous said...

What a great photo and comparison! Nice!~Mine is posted HERE too. Happy CC!~

♥ mommy author ♥ said...

nice!! we call it here in the Philippines TUTUBING KARAYOM - needle dragonfly :)

mine is up too!

http://www.kathycot.com/2008/09/camera-critters-3.html

bobbie said...

These are just beautiful. (Even the rock is beautiful.) I've never yet been successful in photographing dragonflies or damselflies.

Anonymous said...

Very cool looking insects! :)

My entry is here

Stop by if you have a moment.

Wendy (Sweetie) said...

Nice shot. I particularly like the "bug eyes".

Wendy
www.swishersweetie.com

Christy said...

Beautiful damselflies. I have only recently began to notice these magnificent creatures. I owe this new found fascination in part to fellow bloggers like you who choose to share their images with all of us.

Unknown said...

How obliging for the second one to land in your shot. Nice critters :)

My Camera Critters is here

Cathy said...

Ooooooh--one of my favorite subjects! This is a great shot that shows off those glorious colors!

Unknown said...

Beautiful!

AppleDebbie said...

The details in your photos are amazing! Great shot!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Ash: Wonderful capture of two at once. Those little guys can be tricky. I posted some last week.

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Hi! Very beautiful. I have had some land in front of me, but by the time I get the camera up and focused, they fly away. Oh well, I guess I'll leave those photographs to the experts and enjoy the excellent photos they show us. Thank you. Lisa

Jane Hards Photography said...

Such delicate creatures and so beautiful. Excellent captures.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Nice capture, Ashrunner. I love dragonflies but, as yet, do not have a single "good" photo of one.

Anonymous said...

great post

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful damselfly.love the colors!

magiceye said...

beautiful capture!

Dirkjogt said...

Lovely picture, well captured!

Sherrie said...

Hi!
Awesome Shot of the dragonfly's! They are beautiful!!! Take Care!!

Sherrie

Rhea said...

Beautiful damselflies! Nice shot.

Anonymous said...

I occasionally see dragonflies perched on the power lines over my house, but I don't think I've ever seen a damselfly with my own eyes.

Such a pretty color.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and taking time to comment. I'm headed to your flickr now to oogle more.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Ash: Thanks for the help on the Red-bellied Woodpecker ID. I had trouble with looking it up and I'm sure some other peoples mistakes led me to missing the species. I like when people help and have changed the post.